Investigation of abnormalities in buccal epithelial cells in patients with lichen planus of the oral mucosa and lips

Objective: to study the incidence of buccal epithelial cells with nuclear abnormalities in women aged 50- 60 years, suffering from lichen planus; identification of the spectrum of nuclear aberrations and analysis of diagnostic information content of the studied indicators in assessing the risk of complications. Material and Methods. The incidence of nuclear aberrations in buccal epithelial cells was studied in 20 women aged 50 to 60, patients with lichen planus. 10 women of the same age group without the disease were selected for the control group. The use of ROC-analysis allowed to determine the most informative cytogenetic criteria, allowing to establish the diagnosis of «lichen planus», calculating their critical values, sensitivity and specificity for their use as diagnostic tests. Results. A change in the number of cells with micronuclei and signs of destruction of the nucleus, and cells with nuclear aberrations in patients in the area of disease was revealed. Indicators of nuclear destruction in cells outside the affected area in the group of patients differed from those in the control sample. Conclusion. The increase in the number of cells with micronuclei in the area of lesion with lichen planus is a sign of genetic instability, which can start the process of their malignancy. Recognition of nuclear aberrations against the background of nuclear destruction makes it possible to diagnose lichen planus. Determination of the frequencies revealed perinuclear vacuoles and karyopyknosis in the affected cells of the oral mucosa and lips may serve as a confirmation of diagnosis.